THE headmaster of Westminster Abbey’s choir school resigned yesterday
amid allegations that he had bullied pupils. Roger Overend, headmaster
for the past four years, cited “personal reasons”.

The
move follows months of controversy over the running of the 37-pupil
school, where some parents levelled accusations of bullying.

Last
week Mr Overend, who had enjoyed the full support of Wesley Carr,
the Dean of the abbey and one of the school governors, agreed that
he would not be at the school at the beginning of half term, because
of the media comment surrounding his post.

That
was meant to be a temporary measure, until yesterday’s resignation.
It prompted a short statement from the abbey, which was sending letters
to parents last night informing then of Mr Overend’s decision. They
said:“The governors of the school and Dean and Chapter have accepted
his resignation with regret and wish to put on record their deep appreciation
of the hard work undertaken by Mr Overend, which has resulted in the
school making marked progress, during his headship. They wish him
every success in his future career.”

The
abbey’s choir, in existence for nearly 1,000 years, is internationally
famous for its singing at state occasions, most recently at the funeral
of Diana, Princess of Wales.

But
the choir has been embroiled in controversy since the Dean dismissed
the former organist Martin Neary three years ago. Mr Neary appealed
to the Queen over his dismissal and although the dismissal was upheld
by a subsequent inquiry the Dean was criticised for his management
style. In recent months four boys have been withdrawn and one expelled
from the school, which is next to Westminster Abbey.

Last
September the parents of one of the four withdrawn boys complained
about Mr Overend’s treatment of their son.

During
October and November, the abbey’s receiver general, on the instructions
of the Dean, carried out an investigation. In the light of his findings,
Dr Carr spoke to Mr Overend but just after Christmas the parents withdrew
both their sons from the school.